NATIONAL PARALEGAL DAY - AUGUST 6, 2026

Join us at Pinot's Palette, 6381 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH 43017 on Thursday, August 6, 2026 as we celebrate National Paralegal Day with a paint and sip!  Doors will open at 6:30PM with painting from 7-9PM. Thanks to our sponsor, Hannah Heitkamp at Esquire Solutions, the cost of this fun evening is only $15 per person, which includes all the supplies you'll need for your masterpiece!  In addition, the evening will include drinks and appetizers courtesy of Dustin Eisen and Magna Legal Services.  Space is limited and registration is required.  Spaces are filling quickly, so sign up today!  All are welcome - bring a friend!  Registration is available on the web site: https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6756094?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/7/2026 

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ROUND TABLE

Join us on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at noon when Shawn Fox of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Special Investigations Department will provide a presentation regarding the SIU's investigations of injured workers who are receiving benefits while working.  The presentation also will touch on investigations involving fraudulent billing by medical providers.  Registration is available on the web site.

AUGUST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP AND LEGAL INSIGHTS

Due to the heavy vacation season, there will be no GM or Legal Insights session during August.  Meetings will resume in September.

POWER Act 2026

The US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio is partnering with the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project to present a free POWER Act one-hour CLE event on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.  The Federal POWER Act program brings together attorneys, judges, advocates, and community leaders to address domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking through education, collaboration, and legal advocacy.  The event will take place from 10-11AM at the Walter H. Rice US Courthouse in Dayton, OH with a virtual option available.  For more information and to register:  https://www.ohsd.uscourts.gov/sites/ohsd/files/POWER%20Act%20Flyer%20FINAL%20APPROVED%206.23.26.pdf

NFPA NEWS

Convention 2026 - Registration is open!  This year's convention is being held from Thursday, September 24, 2026 through Saturday, September 27, 2026 in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.  All paralegals are welcome and encouraged to attend!  Located just minutes from the airport and across the street from the Mall of America, all events will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport.  Convention will provide the opportunity to earn as many as 11 CLEs over two days and will offer several workshops as well.  Also on the schedule are the Fall Region Meetings, State of the Federation Meeting, Exhibit Hall, and Exhibitor Reception.  Breakfast and lunch are included daily.  For more information, a complete list of CLE sessions and workshops, and for registration:  https://www.paralegals.org/page/2026-annual-convention

The next NFPA Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 8PM ET.  All are welcome to attend.  Registration information will be provided soon.

Volunteers are needed to serve on the 2027 Budget Committee.  Please contact Cathy Curtis, Treasurer and Director of Finance, at treasurer@paralegals.org if you are interested in serving on this committee.

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NFPA is offering a Webinar on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:45AM CT.  "Truth or Tech - Navigating AI-Generated Evidence in the Courtroom" will be presented by Brian Chase, Managing Director of Digital Forensics and eDiscovery at ArcherHall.  As technology advances, the manipulation of digital content has become more sophisticated and accessible than ever. It is now easier to generate or alter photos, videos, audio recordings, and even handwriting, raising critical questions about the integrity of evidence presented in legal proceedings. With the rise of AI-generated content, we must consider how these advancements can potentially compromise the reliability of evidence in court.

This presentation addresses the need for legal professionals to understand and respond to the challenges posed by AI manipulation. We will explore whether our existing authentication rules are sufficient to withstand the complexities introduced by AI-generated evidence. The cost for this webinar is $35.  For more information and to register:  https://www.paralegals.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2073318&group=

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NFPA is also offering a FREE Wellness Webinar on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 12PM CT.  "Performance in a High-Pressure Legal Environment" is presented by Talia Follador, RDN, LDN.  In this presentation, we’ll explore how, what, and when you eat directly impacts your ability to focus, think clearly, communicate effectively, and make decisions under pressure.  The program offers a breakdown of how common patterns in high-demand professions (like skipping meals, relying on convenience foods, or eating inconsistently) can lead to brain fog, fatigue, mental slumps, increased stress, and productivity loss.  We’ll also examine how nutrition intersects with diversity and inclusion, specifically how cultural food practices, access, and workplace norms can shape eating habits and impact overall well-being. 

For more information and to register:  https://www.paralegals.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?alias=PerformanceinaHighPressureLegalEnvironment

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

LASCO is holding the following events:

Franklin County Expungement and Record Sealing Clinic - Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Westgate Community Center, 455 S. Westgate Avenue, Columbus.  Both morning and afternoon sessions are available.  A virtual lunch and learn will be provided for all volunteers a week in advance.  For more information and to register: https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/qq9hfy71gz1qon/

Franklin County Driver's License Event - Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the Columbus Public Library Main Branch.  Half day shifts are available.  For more information and to register:  https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/qfmpbd716dqved/

Be sure to read the PACO News and register today for upcoming events at:  https://pacoparalegals.org/News